Namibian couple unmasks scam involving false arrest warrant
Unsuspecting motorists targeted
Authorities are warning the Namibian public to beware of scammers peddling fake speeding fines.
A scam alert circulated on social media this week regarding a man who was allegedly almost scammed out of N$4 000 for a fake speeding fine.
According to Aletta Scheepers, whose husband was the alleged target, he was contacted by an individual claiming to be "Deputy Commissioner Van Heerden."
The man allegedly used a photo of former Hardap police regional commander Andries van der Byl on WhatsApp. The couple claims the scammer sent them a "warrant of arrest" printed on a justice ministry letterhead, marked with stamps from the ministry and the Office of the Judiciary.
"Luckily, we realised early that it was a scam when the scammer failed to answer basic questions surrounding the apparent speeding ticket and wecdid not pay the requested amount," Scheepers said.
Scheepers said the scammer asked for the money to be paid via an e-wallet and promptly declined the offer of having the money delivered personally.
Public warned against fake documents
Simon Idipo, spokesperson at the justice ministry, informed Namibian Sun yesterday that the ministry is unaware of the matter. He, however, said similar incidents have been reported to the ministry throughout the year.
"This is a serious matter that the ministry will immediately investigate to catch these crooks... It's so serious and warrants a prompt investigation, as many motorists with outstanding fines wishing to travel for the upcoming holiday can easily become victims of this to have their fines cleared,” he said.
“The public should be warned that all admissions of guilty fines for all traffic-related violations are paid either at a magistrate court, a police station, or a NamPost office."
Public warned
In April this year, the ministry issued a statement warning the public of "fictitious documents," including “payment of disputes”, "non-compliance with the Labour Act” and "a warrant of arrest" making the rounds.
"The Office of the Judiciary hereby informs the public that these documents are false and do not originate from the chambers of any judge of the High Court of Namibia. Members of the public are urged to alert the Namibian police to any person who produces or presents for action any of the fictitious documents."
The investigating officer assigned to the criminal case is Deputy Commissioner Kaura from the commercial crime investigations unit and can be contacted at 0812436482, a number related to the matter noted.
The alleged scammer has yet to be identified.
According to Aletta Scheepers, whose husband was the alleged target, he was contacted by an individual claiming to be "Deputy Commissioner Van Heerden."
The man allegedly used a photo of former Hardap police regional commander Andries van der Byl on WhatsApp. The couple claims the scammer sent them a "warrant of arrest" printed on a justice ministry letterhead, marked with stamps from the ministry and the Office of the Judiciary.
"Luckily, we realised early that it was a scam when the scammer failed to answer basic questions surrounding the apparent speeding ticket and wecdid not pay the requested amount," Scheepers said.
Scheepers said the scammer asked for the money to be paid via an e-wallet and promptly declined the offer of having the money delivered personally.
Public warned against fake documents
Simon Idipo, spokesperson at the justice ministry, informed Namibian Sun yesterday that the ministry is unaware of the matter. He, however, said similar incidents have been reported to the ministry throughout the year.
"This is a serious matter that the ministry will immediately investigate to catch these crooks... It's so serious and warrants a prompt investigation, as many motorists with outstanding fines wishing to travel for the upcoming holiday can easily become victims of this to have their fines cleared,” he said.
“The public should be warned that all admissions of guilty fines for all traffic-related violations are paid either at a magistrate court, a police station, or a NamPost office."
Public warned
In April this year, the ministry issued a statement warning the public of "fictitious documents," including “payment of disputes”, "non-compliance with the Labour Act” and "a warrant of arrest" making the rounds.
"The Office of the Judiciary hereby informs the public that these documents are false and do not originate from the chambers of any judge of the High Court of Namibia. Members of the public are urged to alert the Namibian police to any person who produces or presents for action any of the fictitious documents."
The investigating officer assigned to the criminal case is Deputy Commissioner Kaura from the commercial crime investigations unit and can be contacted at 0812436482, a number related to the matter noted.
The alleged scammer has yet to be identified.
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